The first batch of the Iranian pilgrims left Tehran on Friday by air to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj at Mecca, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA) the same day.

The agency quoted the radio of Tehran as saying that the first group of 510 persons will be followed by other batches of pilgrims.

It added that the last flight for the Iranian pilgrims will be on Feb. 27.

Meanwhile, the radio said that the total number of the Iranian pilgrims for this year will exceed 75,000.

Iran and Saudi Arabia severed relations after Saudi security forces cracked down on Iranian pilgrims demonstrating against Israel and the US in 1993. Ties improved after Iranian President Mohammad Khatami came to power in 1997 – Albawaba.com